Uhuru celebration preps in full swing

PREPARATIONS for the 45th Independence Anniversary and the 2025 Children’s Party, set for Gokwe North in the Midlands province, have gathered momentum as the country gears up for the annual Uhuru celebrations.

The main celebrations will be held at Nembudziya Growth Point, while the Children’s Party will be hosted by the First Family at Nyamuroro High School, on the eve of the main celebrations, in keeping with tradition.

In his post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said contractors have accelerated works at the main arena, Gokwe North Open Grounds, with significant progress having been made in lawn planting, terracing, construction of changing rooms, floodlight installation and construction of ablution blocks.

“The venue for the Children’s Party, Nyamuroro High School, is undergoing substantial transformation through the construction of two ablution blocks and two student hostels, both of which are almost complete,” he said.

“Regarding works at Nembudziya Government High School, the Gala Site, construction of one ablution block, two classroom blocks, a domestic science laboratory, and a senior science laboratory has reached wall plate level, with roof installation being the next phase.”

Dr Muswere said, with regard to legacy projects, the Government has adopted both short and long-term plans for the Midlands province in general, and the Gokwe districts in particular, adding that long-term interventions include the ongoing rehabilitation of roads and related infrastructure under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme.

He said the short-term interventions include the re-gravelling and surfacing of major feeder roads to and from Nembudziya Growth Point, with completion targeted for before April 17.

Dr Muswere mentioned that a cumulative total of 129 boreholes have been drilled in the Gokwe districts, with seven boreholes having been drilled at the venue site, while a total water storage capacity of 60 000 litres has been set aside for potable water during the celebrations.

In terms of health and wellness, 10 emergency health management teams, 10 ambulances, an air ambulance, and emergency kits have been mobilised.

A VIP ward, isolation centre, and 16 telemedicine centres have been established.

Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technologies to deliver medical care at a distance, enabling remote consultations, diagnostics and treatments.

Dr Muswere said construction of a mortuary and extension of a ward are already underway at Nembudziya Hospital.

He added that the Independence Flame route will pass through various centres in Mberengwa, Gweru, Kwekwe, past the Sikombela former Detention Camp and Gokwe District, until it reaches Nembudziya Growth Point and Mutapa Hall on April 10, where it will be lit by Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga.

“Thereafter, it will proceed through all the Midlands districts until it reaches the Sikombela former Restriction Camp on April 17, where it will be received by Vice President Kembo Mohadi. It will then proceed to its final destination at Nembudziya Growth Point,” said Dr Muswere.

The minister said a total of 132 graves across heroes’ shrines in the Midlands province are being adorned with concrete slabs, while the construction of a field museum and a memorial plinth at the former Sikombela Restriction Camp will be completed before April 17.

“Other places of liberation struggle significance, such as Connemara and Mutapa Hall, have already been facelifted. A VaShangwe Cultural Village legacy project will be established at Nembudziya Growth Point for the 45th Independence Celebrations in Gokwe North District,” said Dr Muswere.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme: “Zim@ 45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030,” which underlines the Second Republic’s commitment to fostering inclusive national development through devolution.

Since the advent of the Second Republic, the national celebrations have been held on a rotational basis in line with the Government’s devolution policy.

Over 60 000 people are expected to attend this year’s celebrations.